Bayou Bluff Point Of Interest

Star4.59
151 reviews
12000 AR-27 Hector, AR 72843
Scenic ViewsSwimmingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

696 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

3 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Big Piney Ranger District site

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Bayou Bluff Point Of Interest
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees are currently suspended for camping and day-use as of October 2021.
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
(479) 284-3150
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What Campers Say

4.59

Top-Rated

Based on 151 reviews

129 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peacefulhikingwell-maintained

Some mention

noise

"Overall, visitors appreciate Bayou Bluff for its scenic beauty, historic CCC-built shelters, and the opportunity for outdoor activities like swimming and hiking. The campground's primitive nature and lack of fees are also highlighted as positives. However, common complaints include maintenance issues, such as graffiti, trash left by previous visitors, and poorly cleaned toilets. The proximity to the road is noted by some as detracting from the sense of seclusion."

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Campground Map

12000 AR-27 Hector, AR 72843

Bayou Bluff Point Of Interest

12000 AR-27 Hector, AR 72843

Driving directionsFrom Hector, take Arkansas 27 north for 6 miles.
Road access is straightforward and paved up to the campground. The upper loop is currently closed to camping.
Nearby places
Hector (6 miles, approx. 10 minutes drive), Scottsville (approx. 30 minutes drive)
Nearby supplies
Groceries, fuel, and other essentials are available in Hector, 6 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Bayou Bluff Point Of Interest

Experience the full spectrum of Arkansas seasons at Bayou Bluff, where spring awakens the landscape with perfect camping weather and fall paints the bluffs in brilliant colors under crisp, clear skies. Summer brings its characteristic Southern warmth that locals call 'sweltering,' making early morning hikes and afternoon swims particularly appealing, while winter transforms the campground into a peaceful retreat for hardy souls seeking solitude amid the cold.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.5 / 5
Top 12% in AR

Peak season in summer with swimming, floating and busy visitation; reviewers highlight summer fun.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.5 / 5
Top 24% in AR

Fall paints bluffs in brilliant colors with crisp, clear skies—high seasonal scenic value.

Spring(Mar-May)
4.5 / 5
Top 23% in AR

Spring offers 'perfect camping weather' as the landscape awakens—strong positive seasonal reviews.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
3.0 / 5

Open year-round but sees fewer visitors; some amenities feel less maintained in winter.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Peak season likely corresponds with summer months based on user reviews.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open year-round.
  • Current Alerts: Upper loop permanently closed to camping as of October 2021.

About Bayou Bluff Point Of Interest

Perched high above the crystal-clear waters of Illinois Bayou, Bayou Bluff campground offers an authentic back-to-nature experience where historic stone shelters built by the Civilian Conservation Corps stand as silent witnesses to a bygone era. This intimate primitive campground invites adventurers to disconnect from modern amenities and reconnect with the wilderness, following Leave No Trace principles in a setting where you'll need to pack in your water and pack out everything you bring.
Bayou Bluff is primarily a primitive campground, offering a limited number of campsites with basic facilities. It is best suited for tent camping and small groups.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Open 24 hours/day, no formal check-in time.
Check-out
Open 24 hours/day, no formal check-out time.
Stay Limit
The upper loop is permanently closed to camping.

Amenities available

Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Bayou Bluff offers a range of outdoor activities that align with its natural and scenic setting. These include hiking, picnicking, swimming, fishing, wildlife viewing, and scenic drives. The proximity to the Illinois Bayou provides opportunities for water-based recreation, while the trails and bluffs offer a chance for exploration and enjoying the scenery.
HikingThe campground features trails marked with yellow diamonds. These trails are described as well-maintained and suitable for day hikes and backpacking. Visitors have highlighted the scenic views along the trails.
FishingFishing is available, but some visitors have noted that the quality of fishing is low, with few fish in these waters.
SwimmingThe swimming area in the creek is a highlight for many visitors, particularly when the water level is low. The water is described as crystal clear and perfect for cooling off during summer. However, the path to the water is steep and can be slippery.
BoatingThe campground provides access to a middle section of the Illinois Bayou, allowing for floating activities.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is mentioned as an activity, though specific details about species or prime viewing locations are not provided.
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsSteep trails and slippery rocks pose risks near water features. Wildlife presence may necessitate caution.
Active AlertsUpper loop permanently closed to camping as of October 2021.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Weather at Bayou Bluff Point Of Interest

Reviews

4.6
151 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Bayou Bluff Point Of Interest is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Overall, visitors appreciate Bayou Bluff for its scenic beauty, historic CCC-built shelters, and the opportunity for outdoor activities like swimming and hiking. The campground's primitive nature and lack of fees are also highlighted as positives. However, common complaints include maintenance issues, such as graffiti, trash left by previous visitors, and poorly cleaned toilets. The proximity to the road is noted by some as detracting from the sense of seclusion.
Review Summaries
Based on 151 reviews

What Campers Love

Frequent praises include the picturesque setting, crystal-clear swimming areas, and historic stone shelters with fireplaces. Visitors also enjoy the well-maintained hiking trails and the peaceful...
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Based on 151 reviews

Common Concerns

Issues raised include the lack of potable water, poor toilet maintenance, trash left by other campers, and noise from nearby roads. Some visitors also mentioned crowding during peak seasons and the...
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Based on 151 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring your own potable water and firewood. Visit during off-peak times to avoid crowds. Be prepared for a lack of cell phone service and steep paths to the water. Follow Leave No Trace principles by...
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Based on 151 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is busiest during summer, with visitors enjoying swimming and floating in the Illinois Bayou. Winter sees fewer visitors, and some amenities may feel less maintained during this period.
Based on 151 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The water is crystal clear and the view is stunning." - Kaylyn Williams. "Each campsite has its own stone shelter with a fireplace." - DWCA Highsmith. "The swimming hole is fantastic, especially...
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Based on 151 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Sites are generally spacious and include stone shelters with fireplaces. The upper loop is closed, limiting campsite availability.
Based on 151 reviews

Accessibility Features

Steep paths to the water and uneven terrain may pose challenges for individuals with mobility issues.
Based on 151 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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Bayou Bluff Point Of Interest